New MS3 owner

[Northstar24]

Just wanted to take a second and introduce myself. I purchased a 2011 MS3 in Velocity Red Mica with the tech package last Monday. This vehicle is replacing both my lightly modded Solstice GXP and my daily driver that decided to die

I've been reading up on mods, but the one thing I've noticed is driving the car smoothly is difficult, and I've been driving stick for the better part of 6 years now. I've read that the replacing the rear motor mount will help with this. I was thinking of ordering a rear motor mount, solid shifter bushings and the solid anchors from Street Unit. Do you guys thing that will improve the shifting feel?

 

[jri4]

Welcome aboard. I believe there is a section on this forum more geared towards Genpu; they will have a tiny bit more knowledge than us first gen guys. But, to answer your question, the rear motor mount is one of the most impactful mods I have done. It eliminated drivetrain lash and holds the engine firmly in place. The OEM mount is a flimsy bastard. Second, get a short throw shifter with base bushings. TWM makes some great quality pieces for this car, so I highly recommend them--I have the full replacement shifter and could not be happier! This will improve you shifting and totally elimate 1-2 or 2-3 misshifts. Thirdly, change the transmission oil to Ford Motorcraft MX-QT-5 (if this part number isn't correct, someone please correct me). It is well worth the cost in terms of smoothness. Lastly, I would suggest a slew of parts that make the car easier to drive. Install these after everything listed above is done:

1. Transmission mount to further help shifting and eliminate movement and misshifts
2. Turbo Inlet Pipe to smooth throttle response and lower boost spool RPM (spool up faster)
3. Air intake (because you want to hear the turbo and bypass valve, plus you are already doing the TIP, so come on!)

And when all this is said and down, purchase a nice set of lightweight wheels and summer performance tires and slap on a set of coilovers for the suspension. The coilovers increase handling as well as help shifting by eliminating the "lurch" when you let off the gas. If you do all this, the MS3 becomes a beautiful creature to master and handle.

And for the record, SU is a good website to look at and buy from. Top notch customer service as well! And it is late, and I ramble--so I apologize for that. Let me know if you have further questions!